Sung Them To Liberty

In Marchesi and Music, the famous singing teacher tells this anecdote to illustrate the nobility of heart of a Russian woman, one of her pupila, and a native of Nijni-Novgorod, where the great fair is held every year. Mlle. Nadine Bonlitchoff created a great sensation with her beautiful voice and dramatic power, at Moscow, St Petersburg and Madrid. In the summer of 1880 she sang at Rio Janeiro. Brazil was then the entrepot for the cruel slave trade. At her benefit, Nadine learned that she was to be presented with valuable gif ts. She begged that the money, instead of being spent on her, should be used to buy the libertyof several female elaves. Her deed of charity released seven poor slaves, one of whom had been recently whipped in public by order of her mistress. On the benefit night, after Nadine had sung, the seven negresses went upon the stage to thank the artiste for their freedom. The crowded house applauded for several minutes ; the national hymn was played ; the emperor, Dom Pedro, rose, and with him the whole audience, and the songstress knew a moment of thrilling joy such as seldom comes to women.